Can antidepressants affect breast milk?

Antidepressants and Breast Milk: Understanding the Impact
The relationship between antidepressant use and breastfeeding is a critical concern for many new mothers, particularly those experiencing postpartum depression. As mental health plays a significant role in the well-being of both mother and child, understanding how these medications affect breast milk is essential.
Transfer of Antidepressants into Breast Milk
Research indicates that most antidepressants do transfer into breast milk, but the levels are generally low to very low. For instance, studies have shown that medications like paroxetine and sertraline are considered suitable for breastfeeding mothers due to their minimal transfer into breast milk. This low level of transfer suggests that the risk to infants is relatively small, allowing many mothers to continue breastfeeding while managing their mental health.
Safety and Recommendations
Clinical guidelines often recommend that mothers diagnosed with postpartum depression should not be advised to discontinue breastfeeding solely due to antidepressant use. The benefits of breastfeeding, including nutritional and emotional support for the infant, are significant and can outweigh the potential risks associated with low levels of medication in breast milk.
However, it is crucial for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to tailor treatment plans that consider both their mental health needs and the safety of breastfeeding. This collaborative approach ensures that mothers receive the support they need while also prioritizing their infants’ health.
Potential Challenges in Lactation
While antidepressants are generally safe during breastfeeding, some studies have highlighted potential challenges. For example, certain commonly used antidepressants may be linked to delayed lactation in some women, necessitating additional support to establish and maintain breastfeeding. This aspect underscores the importance of monitoring and addressing any lactation difficulties that may arise during treatment.
Conclusion
In summary, while antidepressants do affect breast milk, the transfer levels are typically low, and many medications are deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers. The decision to use antidepressants while breastfeeding should be made collaboratively with healthcare providers, ensuring that both the mother’s mental health and the infant’s well-being are prioritized. As always, ongoing research continues to shed light on this important topic, helping to guide mothers in making informed choices.

What meds should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

Are anti-anxiety meds safe while breastfeeding?

If you and your doctor decide that prescribed medication is the best route for you, there are several options which you can take and continue breastfeeding. They include, in no particular order: SSRI antidepressants e.g. sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine all have anti- anxiety activity.

Do antidepressants affect breastmilk?

Conclusion. At present, there is little evidence that exposure to antidepressants through breast milk has any serious adverse effects in infants; however, long-term neurodevelopmental effects have not been adequately studied.

How long should you be off antidepressants before getting pregnant?

If the consensus is that you should wean yourself off your meds or try different kinds, start at least three months before you start trying to conceive so you’ve got plenty of time to see how it goes.

What happens to a baby when the mother takes antidepressants?

“We can say with strong confidence that antidepressants don’t cause birth defects,” says Osborne. She adds that most studies finding a physical effect on babies from antidepressants taken during pregnancy fail to account for the effects of the mother’s psychiatric illness.

What happens to breastfed babies on antidepressants?

There have been a small number of case reports of adverse events in infants exposed to antidepressants in breast milk, including jitteriness, irritability, excessive crying, sleep disturbance, and feeding problems.

What effects do antidepressants have on newborns?

Preterm birth, major cardiac malformations, and neonatal respiratory distress have been associated with prenatal antidepressant use,7–13 although other large studies have failed to confirm these findings.

What medications drop milk supply?

For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply. So please call us if you are breastfeeding and need clarification on the safety of a medication or to see if a medication you are taking may be affecting your milk supply while breastfeeding.

Which antidepressant is safest in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

In general, these antidepressants are options during pregnancy: Certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs usually are an option during pregnancy. These include citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac).

What causes breast milk to dry up?

Possible causes of low supply
Nearly all babies need to feed at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. Your baby does not feed effectively at the breast. You have started using formula milk as well as breastfeeding. You have had breast surgery that is affecting your milk supply.